3GPP finalises 5G specifications: A big leap towards full-scale deployment of next-gen network

3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), a body which sets industry standards for technologies, on Thursday finalised specifications for 5G network, the next generation of mobile telecommunications.

This essentially means telecom service providers and manufacturers can now make uniform preparation for the next-generation network. This would involve creating an ecosystem with relevant radios and equipment compatible with 5G.

It is worth noting that most of the markets, including India, are aiming to deploy 5G networks in next three to four years. The standardisation means the industry can finally move towards full-scale and commercial development of the network.

Interestingly, the ratification has come six months ahead of the schedule, a move that could accelerate the arrival of 4G network.

"The 5G stage 2 level specifications include the overall architecture model and principles, eMBB data services, subscriber authentication and service usage authorisation, application support in general, but also specifically for applications closer to the radio as with edge computing. Its support for IMS includes also emergency and regulatory services specifics," said the industry body in a release.

"Further, the 5G system architecture model uniformly enables user services with different access systems, like fixed network access or WLAN, from the onset. The system architecture provides interworking with and migration from 4G, network capability exposure and numerous other functionalities."

The technology companies including the likes of Huawei, Intel, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Nokia, NTT Docomo, have welcomed the completion of the first 5G New Radio standard.

"We look forward to continue working with our mobile industry peers to bring 5G NR commercial networks and devices in 2019 in smartphone and other form factors, for both sub-6Ghz and mmWave frequency bands, and to continue developing 5G technologies to connect new industries and enable new services and user experiences in the years to come," said Cristiano Amon, executive vice president, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and president, QCT.

The latest development comes at a time when various technology companies are running trials of 5G network. And some of them have achieved big milestones. For instance, Samsung earlier this month tested 5G on a high-speed train travelling over 100 kmph in order to show potential of the network on-the-go.

Ericsson in one of its first 5G demos in India achieved a throughput of 5.7 Gbps and ultra-low latency of 3 millisecond. Huawei and NTT Docomo recently successfully conducted a field trial for 5G mobile communications over long distance using 39GHz Millimeter Wave (mmWave) band, achieving a maximum speed of more than 2Gbps on a test vehicle.